Four decades ago, the Soviet Union developed the powerful nerve agent known as “Novichok,” or “Newcomer.” This chemical superweapon, far more powerful than anything in the U.S. arsenal, remained a secret until after the fall of the U.S.S.R.
Fortunately, only a small amount of this toxin was ever created. But unfortunately — very unfortunately — a dose turned up in Salisbury, England, where it was used in an apparent March 4 assassination attempt against Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy who had been recruited by British intelligence years earlier. Also affected were Skripal’s daughter, Yulia Skripal, and one of the first-responders on the scene, Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey.
There is only one place the Novichok used in the Salisbury attack could have come from, and there are only two explanations of how it got there. Either the Russian government ordered this attack, or it lost control of its chemical weapon stocks. When the British government offered Russian President Vladimir Putin an opportunity to explain whether or how the nerve agent could have been lost, he treated the overture with contempt.
A responsible leader accused of such a terrible crime would at least protest his innocence and present an alternative explanation, were the accusation false. Putin’s failure to do so is telling, but it probably isn’t an oversight, either. The attack appears to bear Russia’s calling card by design — specifically to intimidate other traitors who might think they can escape the long arm of Russian intelligence.
The question now is whether and how President Trump will step forward and stand by America’s closest ally. He has a prime opportunity to do so, and at the same time to quiet talk of his supposed fealty to Putin.
Trump’s initial response to this atrocity was cautious, to the point that he took criticism for it. But, in fairness, the facts of what had happened were still coming to light early this week. When interviewed on Tuesday ahead of his phone call with British Prime Minister Theresa May, he remarked, “It sounds to me like they believe it was Russia, and I would certainly take that finding as fact … As soon as we get the facts straight, if we agree with them, we will condemn Russia or whoever it may be.”
On Wednesday, after Trump and May had spoken, the White House came out with an appropriately strong statement:
That’s a great start. But it is time now for Trump himself to deliver a clear and unequivocal response to this aggression that goes beyond words, to make Russian officials think twice before conducting such terrorist operations on the soil of NATO allies.
If Trump fails to act decisively, it will only invite more aggression from Putin. Less importantly, but nearer to Trump’s heart, it will also encourage more talk about whether his decisions in government have somehow been tainted by collusion with Putin.
Trump can easily dispel such ideas. After expelling as many Russian intelligence operatives as is practicable, Trump should announce that he is imposing the sanctions that Congress approved last year against buyers of Russian arms. Trump postponed doing this in late January, but it isn’t too late for him to go back and change his mind. He should also consider additional sanctions, and if necessary ask Congress to authorize them. After Salisbury, he will find them willing partners.
Finally, Trump should remove whatever obstacles he can from American natural gas and oil production and export. Russia derives much of its government revenue and its sway over Western Europe from its control of especially the natural gas supply. The Russian economy is under significant pressure already, and anything the U.S. can do to increase that pressure will help show Putin that there will be a high price for further state terrorism on western soil.
